Galapagos Island Hopper

Begin this morning kayaking along the bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast, full of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions and sea turtles. Possible visits include Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) or Punta Pitt. The visiting site will depend on the day of the week and Galapagos National Park regulations. Put on snorkels and fins to interact with sea lions, as well as marine iguanas and countless reef fish. Swim with spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams and fish of every shape, size and color. With luck, you may even see some menacing but harmless hammerhead sharks! After a full day spent exploring the seas, head back to the hotel for a delicious dinner and a well-earned rest.

After breakfast, say goodbye to San Cristobal and take a quick 40-minute airplane flight to Isabela Island. Upon arrival enjoy a bike ride through a wide variety of environments and ecosystems. Pass through white sand beaches, mangrove forests and brackish lagoons, and a lava tube cave. looking for giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife. At the end of the ride, arrive to the historic Muro de las Lagrimas site (The Wall of Tears).

After lunch, explore Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Here, find the peculiar, endemic Galapagos penguin and other marine life. At the end of the day, retire to your hotel and after a delicious dinner, enjoy the well-appointed lounge or wander the idyllic sand streets of Puerto Villamil.

This morning, drive up the flanks of the Sierra Negra Volcano until the road ends. Here, continue on foot into a surreal world of geological history. On the hike up, bask in incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea as well as the distinctive highland ecosystem. But the real prize is at the top, arriving at the rim of the Sierra Negra Volcano, you’ll be treated to a truly breathtaking vista. Sierra Negra is the second largest active caldera on the planet, over six miles at its widest point. Hike the rim of this enormous crater and continue on to the caldera of Volcan Chico, an otherworldly landscape of vibrant hues created by sulfur deposits. Here you can explore spectacular lava formations and fumaroles. After a stop at an idyllic tortoise reserve for lunch, head back to the lowlands in time to spend the last bit of the afternoon relaxing on perfect beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere.

Wake up with the sea breeze as you travel by speedboat or internal flight to Santa Cruz Island, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. After checking in at the hotel, visit El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to observe the giant tortoise in its natural habitat. It is truly an honor to walk in the stately presence of these gentle giants, who can live to be over 175 years old. You may also see pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets and the vermillion flycatcher.

The next stop is the incredible lava tunnels, which formed an ideal hideout for the pirates that once frequented the Galapagos. Legend has it that they were also used to hide Inca gold stolen from Spanish ships. Finish the afternoon with a hike to Los Gemelos, two deep volcanic sinkholes at the top of the island, with rocky cliffs surrounding the huge pits of empty magma chambers. Follow a path through a forest of endemic Scalesia trees, on the lookout for the elusive short-eared owl. The trees are covered with ferns and epiphytes, and lend the forest a quiet, eerie feel.

Begin the morning sea kayaking to explore the unique landscape of Punta Estrada and Divine Bay. Paddle through towering lava channel walls to look for rays and white-tipped reef sharks in the clear water below. You can also paddle right up to the fearless blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, herons, sally lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs.

After lunch, take a short hike through a distinctive dry forest to Tortuga Bay. Along the lava rock trail, there will be many interesting birds and plants. Then emerge from the forest at Tortuga Bay with its soft, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters. One of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos makes for a perfect relaxing afternoon.

Finally, if there is enough time you may stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn from local scientists about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanted islands. The Research Station rears endemic plants, land iguanas and giant tortoises for educational, scientific and conservation purposes. Here, you can learn more about the diverse evolutionary paths and characteristics of the animals and plants encountered on your trip. As evening comes, return to your hotel to celebrate a wonderful trip and enjoy the last evening in the Galapagos.

Bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos before boarding a transfer north over Santa Cruz Island to the Itabaca Channel, where a short hop on a ferry and a short bus ride takes you to Baltra Island’s airport. Depending on your flight schedule, visit local shops before the airport transfer.